When Ohio launched the Ohio Opioid Technology Challenge in 2017, it put out worldwide call for innovative ideas that leverage the latest technology to fight the opioid crisis. Now, at the culmination of the challenge, four prize recipients are already creating change and saving lives.
Tech Ohio reports that hundreds of submissions poured in from around the world and 12 companies were awarded funding in 2018 to continue developing their technology. Now, four of those companies have been named winners of the Ohio Opioid Technology Challenge and were each awarded an additional $1 million.
The winning companies are:
Brave – Smart button technology installed in the home of a person struggling with addiction or opioid use. When activated, the quarter-sized button immediately sends support or emergency services to someone in danger of overdosing.
DynamiCare – A comprehensive system to help those in addiction recovery with an app to track their progress, a smart debit card that rewards healthy choices and video calls with a dedicated recovery coach.
Prapela – High-tech mattresses that uses strategic vibrations to gently soothe babies born addicted to opioids, while also regulating their breathing and heart rates.
University Hospitals – A technology platform that helps determine if a patient should leave the hospital with an opioid prescription, and if so, whether they are at risk for addiction. Patients are connected to resources near their home to help them safely transition home. The program has already kept more than 12,000 opioid pills out of northeast Ohio communities.
